FHWien der WKW offers its graduates excellent career opportunities in business. As an example of the diverse career paths that studying at this university of applied sciences specializing in management and communication opens up, nine alumni were invited onto the stage for the 17th time this year and presented with an Alumni Award.
The Hotel Imperial Riding School in Vienna provided the festive setting for the awards ceremony on November 27, 2025. 150 guests gathered for the event, including other top alumni of FHWien der WKW as well as representatives from the university and the business world. ORF presenter Margit Laufer hosted the evening.
Special Award „Business Icon of the Year”
The Special Award “Business Icon of the Year” was presented for the second time this year. Thomas Saliger was honored with this award. He is the marketing director and company spokesperson for the XXXLutz Group and a manager with heart and soul.
“We humans need role models who inspire us and encourage us to follow our own path. This also applies to our careers. With the special award ‘Business Icon of the Year’, FHWien der WKW honors personalities from the business world who can serve as role models for young talents. I am delighted that we are able to honor Thomas Saliger, a manager who, as a passionate and determined innovator, has shaped the success of a major Austrian company for many years,” said Stephan Gasser, Managing Director of FHWien der WKW.
Award for specialists and managers
The awards in the “Professional Achievements” category went to specialists and executives who have achieved national or international success in their industry or field of activity.
The award winners:
- Alexander Gänsdorfer: The graduate of the Communication Management study program is co-founder and CMO at NEOH.
- Manuel Javorik: The graduate of the Bachelor’s program in Digital Business is Head of Operations Control Center and Intelligence Officer at Austrian Airlines. He is also Managing Director of SIGMO Airline Databasis GmbH and a business consultant.
- Lilian Teuffenbach: She completed her master’s degree in Organizational & Human Resource Development at FHWien der WKW. Her career led her to Magenta Telekom, where she is Head of People Development & Culture.
Award for particularly innovative alumni
In the “Shaping the Future” category, alumni were honored who, through their thinking and actions, are finding forward-looking answers to pressing questions of our time.
The award winners:
- Lisa Ambros: She completed a bachelor’s degree in tourism management at FHWien der WKW. Her career led her to the female factor, where she held the position of CEO until recently.
- Anna Jandrisevits: She completed a master’s degree in journalism and new media at FHWien der WKW. Today, she is deputy editor-in-chief of “Die Chefredaktion” and a TikTok host.
- Tanja Sternbauer: The graduate of the Bachelor’s program in Business Management & Entrepreneurship is co-founder, Head of Talent, and Advisory Board Member at the female factor. She is also editor-in-chief at the lead magazine.
Honor for exceptionally committed alumni
The category “Exceptional Commitment to FHWien der WKW” honored graduates who are particularly committed to teaching or research at FHWien der WKW and thus contribute to the continuous development of the university.
The award winners:
- Hannes Glavanovits: The alumnus of the Marketing & Sales degree program is Head of Advertising & Information at SPAR.
- Markus Pusta: The graduate of the real estate management degree program and the master’s degree program in real estate management is the managing director of Pusta & Partner Hausverwaltungs GmbH.
- Michael Szücs: He graduated from FHWien der WKW with a degree in finance, accounting, and taxation and is now Head of Financial Services, auditor, tax advisor, and Certified Finance Compliance Officer at Grant Thornton Austria.
We would like to thank our media partner Der Standard and our partner Riegl International GmbH for their support.
Click here for the photos of the award ceremony.
Photo: Alexander Müller | www.alexander-mueller.at